47 South Indian Girl Names With Divine Symbolisms

A collection that represents the history of the Dravidian culture.

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Last Updated on Jul 24, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

South India is predominantly a Dravidian language-speaking belt. South Indian baby girl names reflect the region's linguistic diversity, constituting over twenty-six languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada (1). Female names of this region symbolize aspired attributes, including purity, strength, elegance, beauty, and intelligence. Families in South India also practice naming their girls after deities, elements of nature, virtues, celestial bodies, or ancestors. There are multiple variations when it comes to naming conventions in South India. For instance, surnames were abandoned among the Tamils following the Dravidian Movement in the 1930s due to their association with caste identity. However, the family name comes before the given name in the Telugu naming pattern. Malayali names contain three parts: the name of the village, the paternal name, and the personal name. In the Kannada naming convention, the first name is followed by the father’s name and the surname in the North of Karnataka. But in the South, the village name comes first, followed by the father's name, the given name, and the surname. In fact, both Tamil and Kannada women are encouraged to adopt their husband’s first name as their surname after marriage. In Dravidian culture, choosing ancestor names is expected as it shows respect for one’s bloodline. Traditional South Indian names have persisted in use despite the advances of modernity and globalization because of their profound cultural resonance and rich linguistic background. However, parents nowadays are exploring more modern and distinctive names while maintaining a strong cultural connection, resulting in a charming fusion of the traditional and the contemporary. South Indian baby girl names are not simply labels but representations of cultural identity, ancestry, spirituality, and parental aspirations. They stand for a treasured custom that unites generations and preserves the vibrant cultural fabric of the area. Exploring South Indian baby girl names may be a fascinating adventure, whether you are of South Indian ancestry or appreciate the linguistic beauty of these names. The list below will give you ample options to pick a name for your daughter.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Iniyan	Girl	Sweetness; Sympathy; Agreeableness
Pranitha	Girl	Put forward; Presented; Agreeable
Amata	Girl	Beloved; Imperceptible
Nakkiran	Girl	A brave poetess who writes against evils of society
Nalli	Girl	Healthy; Free from diseases
Nanmani	Girl	Resembles an outstanding gemstone
Niauppama	Girl	A beautiful or pleasant person
Padmapriya	Girl	Beloved like a lotus; Lotus lover
Tokka	Girl	One who is united or joined
Tungabhadra	Girl	Highly auspicious or blessed; Name of an Indian river

Asistha	Girl	Very quick
Bhaanumati	Girl	Full of luster
Bhaanupriya	Girl	Beloved of the sun
Eashwari	Girl	A name of Goddess Parvati
Parushi	Girl	She who is beautiful and intelligent
Prahasini	Girl	A girl who loves smiling
Prasoona	Girl	A Flower
Ranamita	Girl	A friend in need
Reepal	Girl	Love
Ridhushni	Girl	Season

Romini	Girl	Pretty
Roshita	Girl	Illuminated
Sahita	Girl	The Lord Saibaba Message
Sampreeti	Girl	Real love and attachment
Sanheeta	Girl	A compilation; A bunch of Vedic hymns
Sanithi	Girl	Obtainment
Sanjushree	Girl	Beautiful
Semanti	Girl	Indian white rose
Sendhen	Girl	She who is as sweet as honey
Sevandhi	Girl	Chrysanthemum

Shashibala	Girl	The moon
Sinhi	Girl	Lioness
Siyasundari	Girl	Wife of Lord Shiva
Udgita	Girl	A hymn
Udhayarani	Girl	Rising queen
Unmesha	Girl	Visible
Urvija	Girl	The name of Goddess Laxmi
Ushika	Girl	The name of Goddess Parvati
Vaijayantimala	Girl	Lord Vishnu's garland
Vikasni	Girl	The name of Goddess Lakshmi

Vindhuja	Girl	Knowledge
Virangana	Girl	She who is brave
Viri	Girl	Expanse; Cleave; Virtue; Heroic
Visheta	Girl	Self-control
Yathartha	Girl	Truth
Yogyasri	Girl	Good
Yubhashana	Girl	A name for Goddess Mahalakshmi

South Indian baby girl names are steeped in divine symbolism, virtues, and family lineage. They help preserve the Dravidian language family and the region's diverse traditions. These names are a testimony of their unique social fabric and religious synergy. Exploring these names offers a captivating insight into the cultural richness and diversity of South India. Thus, whether you are of South Indian descent or admire their linguistic charm, these names will inspire you.

Infographic: Charming South Indian Baby Girl Names

South Indian baby girl names have an alluring charm. These names bear the essence of spirituality yet have a modern touch. They carry a rich history of South Indian languages and symbolize ancestral lineage, religious connotations, and parental aspirations. Explore the following infographic, which provides some beautiful South Indian baby girl names and their meanings.

mesmerizing south indian baby girl names (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do South Indian girl names differ from names in other regions of India?

South Indian names are derived from Dravidian languages and customs, unlike other regions in India, which borrow from Indo-Aryan influences. These names have unique phonetic structures that reflect the richness of language, cultural heritage, deities, regional customs, and cast hierarchies. In addition, these names also borrow inspiration from regional literature and Dravidian adaptations of scriptures rather than follow Sanscritic literature. Each southern state also has its unique naming patterns and rules that do not necessarily follow the Indo-Aryan or Western style of naming.

2. What are some South Indian girl names inspired by Hindu mythology?

Kalyani is a beautiful name meaning 'lovely,' 'beautiful,' and 'auspicious' in Sanskrit. It is an alternate name for the goddess Parvati. Indira means 'beauty' in Sanskrit and is another name for the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of the Hindu god Vishnu. Aruna, meaning 'dawn,' is associated with lord Surya's charioteer, whereas Aparna translates to 'leafless' and is another name for the Hindu goddess Parvati.

3. What are some popular South Indian girl names that have Sanskrit origins?

Puja, also written as Pooja, is a popular South Indian name meaning 'honor' or 'worship.' Padmini is a charming name that means 'multitude of lotuses' and represents the beauty and grace of the lotus flower. Kiran (sunbeam), Indumati (full moon), Devi (goddess), and Anjali (salutation) are some more Sanskrit-origin names that parents from diverse linguistic and ethnic backgrounds can embrace.

4. What are some popular South Indian girl names that have Tamil origins?

Amala (pure), Harini (deer), Ezhil (beauty), Thamarai (lotus), and Vaishnavi (belonging to Vishnu) are a few South Indian names with positive connotations. These Tamil origin names represent the beauty, elegance, and purity of different aspects of human life.

5. What are some South Indian girl names inspired by nature or the environment?

Yamuna, possibly derived from the name of the goddess Yami, is the name of an Indian river. Sandhya means twilight in Sanskrit and is Lord Brahma's daughter's name. Pushpa (flower), Meena (fish), and Aruna (the reddish glow of the dawn) are more nature-inspired South Indian girls' names that exude beauty and serenity associated with natural elements.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Bhadriraju Krishnamurti; (2003); The Dravidian Languages.
https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4415432/mod_folder/content/0/Cambridge%20Language%20Surveys/Krishnamurti%202003.%20The%20Dravidian%20Languages.pdf?forcedownload=1

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.